Looking at rural Australia, this paper addresses the issue of providing adequate resources to create high quality and diversified higher education environments and the need for more data on the quality of rural student life. A review of the literature shows the underrepresentation of rural students in higher education; rural barriers to participation in higher education; and the nature of the student experience in U.K. and U.S. colleges. Researchers conclude that top quality institutions can be created through rigorous planning and creative action. A case study generated data on aspects of rural students' lives by addressing issues of childhood, schooling, enrollment, reference groups, prior learning, motivation, career plans, approaches to learning, formal and informal aspects of the university, significant others, university values, and student suggestions for improvements. Semi-structured and informal interviews explored these areas with five female students at La Trobe University in Australia. Most of this paper entails detailed interview responses. It is concluded that relatively high levels of student satisfaction may be achieved without massive levels of support, depending on individual perspectives, prior expectations, and socialization. Contains 49 references. (SAS)

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